If You're a Minimalist (or Want to Be), These Are the Summer Basics to Buy Now

If you're like me and are counting down the days until summer officially starts, then you're going to want to take the recommended shopping assortment below very seriously. Once summer begins, you're not going to want to spend your time stress shopping for all the things you didn't buy beforehand, which is why I've curated a list of all the must-have summer basics of the season. If you identify as a minimalist, chances are you already own a majority of the pieces ahead, but if you simply want to be a minimalist and are looking to streamline your wardrobe just a smidge, then pay close attention—this one is for you. 

Ahead, you will see the eight summer basics that should definitely be on your radar. Featuring everything from dresses to sandals, the staples found below will be some of the most heavily rotated pieces in your closet come summer, and honestly, that's what basics are for, so get to shopping. 

Relaxed Denim Shorts

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(Image credit: @nycbambi)

If you're not living in loose denim shorts, you're doing something wrong. Swap your jeans for this more weather-appropriate alternative for a summer filled with both comfort and style. 

Shop relaxed denim shorts:

Black Swimsuit

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(Image credit: @ali_tate_cutler)

Even if you don't identify as a minimalist, a black swimsuit is a must-have in any well-rounded wardrobe. Choose a style that's timeless over something trendy and you'll wear it for years to come. 

Shop black swimsuits:

White Button-Down Shirt

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(Image credit: @sofiamcoelho)

A white button-down shirt is easily the most versatile summertime basic that exists. Wear it with everything from your jean shorts to your black bikinis for the perfect casual yet polished addition. 

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Breezy Summer Dress

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(Image credit: @katcollings)

Summer without a laid-back, breezy dress just doesn't feel right. We suggest buying into the more neutral hues for as much versatility as possible. 

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Simple Sandals

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(Image credit: @trustmebuythis)

Simple sandals will make getting ready this summer 10 times easier. With a well-curated assortment of versatile sandals in timeless shapes and hues, you'll have a pair of shoes to match with your look time and again. 

Shop simple sandals:

Classic Shades

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(Image credit: @endlesslyloveclub)

This one needs no explanation, really, so consider this more of a reminder that a strong pair of classic sunglasses can make or break a look. 

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White Tank

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(Image credit: @jordanrisa)

White tank tops will be your saving grace this summer and beyond. Finding the perfect one can be tough, but the below three are the ones we know and love. 

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Flowy Trousers

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(Image credit: @minamigessel)

A comfortable pair of trousers in your summertime wardrobe is something I cannot encourage enough. They go with everything, can be dressed up or down, and won't leave your bare legs stuck to a gross park bench on a sweltering day. 

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Editorial Director

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.

She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.